Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Are you wasting money on sales training

Are you wasting money on sales training
It would be nice to think that there was one simple way to develop sales skills. We all have our own learning styles and preferences. Some learn best through activity, either role-play or trial and error, some through book-based study, others through reflecting and questioning. Indeed, learning is such a personal thing that the latest opinion is that self-directed learning is where individuals and companies should be headed. Companies should aim to provide the infrastructure and learning environment whilst motivating and encouraging employees to take personal responsibility for their own skills development.
It's a cliché, but the reality is that you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink. You can provide a training environment, lay on training courses, books and even personal coaching. If the person is not open and motivated to learning then it will not happen. When working with individuals a coach will spend a great deal of time focusing on their goals, values and aspirations. When someone is motivated for their own reasons you know that great things are going to happen! A person motivated to learn and overcome obstacles will typically put in the effort to read a book, listen to audio programmes in the car even pay for their own training and coaching!
Cold calling and prospecting are good examples of how selling is a mental game. The crucial issue in sales development is most often not how? but why? and what's stopping that person from achieving better results.
The human brain is designed for continual learning, but the question is whether the individual is motivated to learn. The coaching relationship is confidential and personal, allowing the individual to open up and discuss things that motivate them and things that may be de-motivating them. By bringing these concerns out in the open they can then take action to move things forward.
Even though each person is unique, for those who like to put people in boxes there do seem to be some common types to look out for:
Motivated achiever
These are the professionals. This type of person is always looking for ways to get better results. They are highly self motivated and will take whatever sales development assistance you provide. Often they will personally fund their own development. They are keen readers and may have a personal development tape in the car. Even at the top of their profession, these people get great results from High Performance Coaching. It's like pouring petrol on a fire!
Know it all
These people have been around a while: been there, done it and have the scars to prove it. They believe that they know how life is and you are not going to convince them otherwise. Know-it-alls are generally fairly closed to learning. They tend to be reasonably ok at selling although sometimes patchy and could do even better. They are often OK with cold calling and prospecting although it can be a problem if their performance is below their capabilities. Sometimes they respond well to High Performance Coaching although often they just play along.
Pleaser
These are very good at looking after customers because they like pleasing people. They can develop some very strong business relationships and customer loyalty. Pleasers often shy away from cold calling and prospecting until they can see the function in terms of helping people. They often cannot understand why, having attended all the training programmes and read all the books; they still have difficulty in making the calls. These people can get big improvements in performance through High Performance Coaching.
Reluctant Sales person
This is someone who doesn't really enjoy certain parts of the sales role or has temporarily lost interest. They avoid making the calls because they either don't feel like it or they can't be bothered. It's a motivation issue rather than a learning issue, although the sales person is unlikely to admit it. Most training is wasted until the motivation is there. High Performance Coaching can really help the individual to get clear about their goals and resolve any issues with colleagues. Occasionally the process can help them realise they are in the wrong job.
Steady Eddie
They will make the calls on a regular basis because that's just part of the job. This person will go on any course they are told to. They are unlikely to request a course for themselves and will just get on with it. They are comfortable with their way of life and although they would like things to be improving are not going to set the world alight without help to build much bigger goals.
The ideal approach to helping each of these types is to have a combination of more classroom, book or audio programme learning combined with High Performance Coaching. This ensures that the learning is translated into action and anything that is standing in the way is confronted. There is also great benefit in sales people learning from each other. In many organisations, they work individually and an interactive learning day where everyone participates is a great way of building some team spirit.
'We focus on helping our clients get the best performance increases from their sales team within their budgetary constraints,' says Richard White. 'This often means a combination of conventional learning methods and our style of High Performance Coaching. We can even help sales managers and sales directors achieve performance break-thoughs by learning our approach to coaching.'

Offshore Software Development In Belarus

Offshore Software Development In Belarus: Disadvantages And Advantages
Automation, improvement and speed, these are certain points that defines the superiority of software development today. Outsourcing software development is a kind of outsourcing in which the jobs of software development are transferred to offshore countries like Belarus. With increasing competition and demand of effectiveness and speed, software development processes are getting more sophisticated with the combination of trusted old and swift advance technologies. Mainly companies in USA and Europe transfer software development job to Belarus, Russia or other Asian countries. And in order to stay class apart and favorite to their customers, more and more companies are thinking of outsourcing software development meeting closely what their highly particular business requires. Some of the ultimate benefits and advantages of outsourcing given here can definitely boost up your belief in outsourcing.

In Belarus offshore software development has some advantages and also some disadvantages.

Advantages of offshore software development in Belarus

Cost factor enjoys being the foremost and preferred reason for the fame of software development outsourcing. Start up companies prefers to invest least amount of money as they have to set up many things at their infancy to grow up. Thus, outsourcing clicks them at the first moment. It will not only help them grow financially while saving money through outsourcing but also give access to modern infrastructure and skilled manpower. Outsourcing software development in Belarus resolves this problem. Along with the cheap labor Belarussian software professionals are so skilled and high mental level persons. This is the main reason that the US and Europe companies transfer their jobs in Belarus. By offshoring their jobs the companies will save a lot of money (around 60%). In US the average salary of software developer is $21000 per year. In Belarus the salary of software developer is too less in comparison to US or Europe.

Superior quality, affordable prices, assured winning results, what else a company needs to stand out in the market. Credited to these benefits, offshore outsourcing is proving outstandingly money-spinning for companies that are making use of it.

Disadvantages offshore software development in Belarus

There also some disadvantages of offshore software outsourcing in Belarus. Many outsourcing business fail due to business misunderstanding. Usually new companies are unable to understand the process of outsourcing software and fails before grow.

Offshore software development industry in Belarus is still new, young and largely unproven. However there are also lots of success stories which prove Belarussian offshoring is best.

Another disadvantage is that outsourcing in Belarus can also prove to be a threat to the security and confidentiality of issues of a company. If company is outsourcing business process such as payroll, email accounts or social numbers, confidential information such as salary will be known to the outsourcing service provider. Therefore one must be very careful and precise in choosing which business process to outsource and which one not.

Software outsourcing may also result into the possible loss of flexibility in reacting to changing business conditions, lack of internal and external customer focus and sharing cost savings. Loss of internally generated talent is yet another problem associated with the outsourcing as it may hamper the growth of an employee by depriving him from the experience he would have gained by handling the business issue himself then by passing it over to some other external party

What Do You Need To Know About Event Signs?

What Do You Need To Know About Event Signs?

It’s one thing to know signs just need to be put together and stuck in the ground, but what you really need to know is which signs to choose from the many kinds of Denver event signs now available. You want customers to see signs and take interest in your business. Other factors, including safety and portability are a key. Other factors in your decision don’t stack up.

The Safety of Your Signs

At first glance, a sign and the hardware that goes with it may look perfect, but that doesn’t mean it’s automatically safe. There could still be edges and loose parts to cause problems. Someone could still run into a sign, fall or trip on something loose. Make sure you doublecheck all of the signs you have, especially tee signs, for any parts that could come loose. You want to make sure you are not putting your customers at any risk. That’s not the kind of attention you want to get from customers.

Make Sure They’re Portable

The benefits of having a Denver A frame sign or a Denver Expand a Sign is their adaptability, designed to get out your company’s message. Better yet they can be moved with ease. All you need to do is fold them up and put them in a truck or a store room until you need them next. They don’t weigh a lot so they can be carried from one spot to another. In the case of signs, portability is important. You want to get a sign where it needs to go, whether that’s in front of your business or to an important event. Hauling signs around shouldn’t be a chore, but another easy step to capturing customers.

Pick Signs That Stand Out

There are particular types of signs, like tee signs and flying banners, which will really help you and your business stand out. You should pick Denver event signs with interesting shapes which can be grouped in front of your business for a big impact. The dramatic flair of these signs put you in a bold position. With these signs, you’re not just any old business. There are other signs, those shaped like teardrops or the flexiflags that are beneficial too. How you place and design them will also draw a customer’s eye.

Look for these qualities in a good sign interesting designs, good images, flashy colors, good material and clarity. Before you put signs up, you want to be satisfied with them yourself. Give them a good look before you post them outside your business.

Finally, remember all of the factors of a good sign safety, mobility and uniqueness. You want to have great signs that relay a great message and give you a solid return. Follow these ideas and they should really work for your business.

How Signs Fit in With Your Portable Lifestyle

How Signs Fit in With Your Portable Lifestyle

If you are a successful business owner, you are on the go. You have your computer in your briefcase with your phone. Why shouldn’t the sign for your business, the cornerstone of your marketing message, be with you all the time as well? One of the best ways to do that is to check out a Denver A frame sign or one of the other Denver portable signs available on the market. With those signs you can be truly portable. The sign will help you as you search for potential customers& and business.

Taking Your Message With You

In these days of looking for customers anywhere and anytime, you need to be ready to present your message not matter where you are. That’s why you need a portable banner than can be put up quickly whether you are at an event, a business gathering or a tradeshow. This shows potential customers you are always prepared and ready. The impressions you make at meetings like this can pay off big in the future.

Customers Will Keep You Consistent

If the Golden Arches teach anything it’s that with familiar signs come familiar expectations from customers. That’s what you should search for, too. You need to have the same signs giving a consistent message to people if you want their business and loyalty. Once you deliver that, they will seek out your message and your products.

Getting Customers Moving Around

Signs like flexiflags can do some amazing things. If you are marketing an event and want customers to spend while there, you need to direct them. The flexiflags do just that. Whether you are overseeing a ski tournament or a golf tournament, these flags will help show customers which direction to move, where they should stop and shop and where they can see action. These flags will serve as guides. They aren’t pushy salesman, but they help with sales more than you can imagine.

Portable signs can be applied to many situations that will help your business. It saves time and makes you more productive. No longer will you have to waste time to set up. That in itself is a big benefit.

Thanks to the mobile nature of your new signs, you will be able to keep working on that go-go lifestyle for your go-go business for years to come.

Why You Should Outsource Technical Support Services

Why You Should Outsource Technical Support Services

24 X 7 technical support services play a key role in achieving high levels of customer satisfaction and retention levels. Round the clock technical support services not only help users solve specific problems with a product or a service but also play a major role in defining the brand against competition. Availability and prompt delivery of technical support services are the key differentiators in this fiercely competitive domain. Technical support is delivered over the telephone or via various online media such as e-mail, chat or a Web site.

Primarily technical support is provided at enterprise level and customer level. Enterprise technical support offers assistance for small to large businesses who are customers of enterprises. Rapid response and resolution of critical issues effectively improve uptime, ensure high levels of efficiency and help in honoring stringent SLAs’ thus playing a pivotal role in retaining customers.
Customer support services cater to end consumers of product or service of business who are basically home or residential users.

Multiplicity of business applications and their underlying technologies create significant strain on in-house IT support resources. In most cases it is difficult and expensive to manage and support applications demanding varying levels of technological sophistication. Outsourcing technical support services ensures that customers receive high quality of service while ensuring cost efficiency, localization and reduced risk for organizations.

Benefits of outsourced support services:
Improved productivity and availability of business processes, people, and IT assets
Improved customer service through superior technology and service
Reduced technical support costs
Reduced management overheads
Reduces complexity
Lowered total cost of ownership for enterprises

The Multi-channel support services offered by CSS, ensure "attention to detail" in several areas, starting right from the moment a support request is started till it is closed, which ultimately leads to rapid response and resolution of issues. Our processes and systems are exclusively tuned to technical and consumer support with extensive simulation labs and resolution focused environment. CSS puts to use established processes and procedures to ensure consistent quality and efficient support resolution.

At CSS, we blend highly qualified professionals and top-of-the-line technology to deliver world-class knowledge-centric support experience to clients. Our global delivery model provides flexibility, ensures high quality service, cost savings and localization at reduced risk. The Center Of Excellence for technical support’ portfolio includes:

Enterprise technology Application Support (ETAS) for enterprise networking, telecom and application providers.
Enterprise System Management & Support (ESMS) for ASPs’, SaaS providers, data centers and large enterprises.
Consumer Technology Application Support (CTAS) for PC & devices, VoIP, ISP, networking, technology products and services aimed at the SOHO and SMB market.

A writers’ guide to blogging in the online community

A writers’ guide to blogging in the online community

Not long ago, circulating your writing to a wide-spread reading circle took a great deal of effort, time and money. But now, thanks to the internet, you can easily do all the communication you want to do with minimal expense and a moderate amount of research. Even if you are leading a hectic life, time does not pose an issue especially if you have a flair for writing and communication. The quickest ways of moving ahead with your writing may be in the following route. All these are tried-and-tested ways to start, and every professional blogger or writer has adhered to at least two of these methods religiously, to reach their current position of popularity:

1. Leaving a comment on someone else's blog or article.
2. Join in a discussion board or forum that grabs your interest.
3. Writing a book or film review at any popular marketing site is a must.
4. Starting your own blog or online community is a great idea.
5. Publishing an e-Zine or Newsletter if you have enough interest on something great or trivial.
6. Submitting articles to a blog carnival that reviews your field of interest.
7. Publishing an e-book can be good promotion.
8. Publishing a booklet or pamphlet that introduces others to your field of interest.
9. Developing your own website with regular upgrades.
10. Publishing a book in real when you have enough materials accrued.

The two major ways you can head-out on your dream projects in the written-word are by joining in on conversations and by starting your own as well. However, you must note that just focusing on starting your own conversation without joining in will not help. Contribute your ideas, comments, opinions and information to on-going discussions.

Initially, you will be viewed as an outsider but soon enough, with continued involvement, you will be soon a welcomed candidate. While on the other hand, if you just happen to dart in with loads of heavy stuff you might be side-tracked or belittled initially. Remember that it happens to every new contributor to any community, but surely this will never pose as a long-term problem assuming that your ideas are open, valid, related to the situations and of course there is no spoofing! As you begin to leave comments on other people’s blogs, you will soon become a familiar reader and contributor, and yes, do leave the impression that you have actually read the material. Forget old fashioned niceties and be honest to yourself, but that doesn’t mean you are allowed to be abusive no matter what! A balance of appreciation along with the feedback of what you truly feel is important.

Participating in online conversations is quite akin to our real-life scenarios. Hence we cannot just jump on a discussion. We have to know what is really going on. Your knowledge and passion on the existing topic would be beneficial, but you have to let your discussion evolve, and then go with the flow. But remember - going with the flow does not mean getting sucked up by the waves and with online discussions you have the opportunity to overcome many a social dilemmas that you will come across. The quicker you get to deal with them the better, so be open, but don’t forget the core meaning of your participation. And most importantly - whether you agree or disagree you must make comment respectfully, otherwise no one is going to welcome you to the online blogging community.

Customer Support Service – How Important Is It for Your Business

Customer Support Service – How Important Is It for Your Business

The days are over when a simple check-the-box approach towards sales and service was enough to satisfy a consumer-driven audience. The consumer technology companies are growing manifold in terms of newer products, channels and geographies with increased adoption of technology in home and SMB segment. They share a constant struggle towards turning their attention to meet consumer demand and satisfaction.

The consumer technology support services address the increasing consumer satisfaction appetite for numerous consumer products manufacturers. The customer support solutions help consumers to balance their work and home commitments better by adding a level of sanity to their hectic lives.

In the environment of heightened competition, a consumer technology support company needs to extend world-class superior customer support solutions to retain and build their customer base. It will be a huge challenge to do the balancing act between offering end-consumer SLA driven high quality IT support services and at the same time keep capital costs and operation expenditure down.

From improving the customer service to measuring the effects of all the efforts taken by the companies, it is now time to think of how to effectively address the challenge of facing the consumers inquiries.

CSS provides superior consumer technology support services to strengthen customer relationships. It helps to unleash the hidden power of the consumer technology companies by providing world class customer support solutions. CSS is committed to being the leading provider of customer support centric solutions to enterprises & technology companies. Our seamless and integrated network of onshore and offshore centers provides a high degree of availability.

The Center of Excellence for support at CSS is a global leader in technology support, IT services & allied support services. We provide enterprise level and end consumer support services to over 20+ fortune 1000 companies, handling, on an average, 38,000 requests across 650+ products daily. We have created effective technology support models for top consumer brands.

CSS customers take comfort in the fact that at every level of interaction and at each transaction, they find:

1. Transparency

2. Commitment to highest level of quality

3. Echnology excellence

4. Passion to do it right the first time

5. Focus on end customer satisfaction

These ensure CSS consistently meets and surpasses the SLAs resulting in customer delight.